Life can be a constant struggle for people with Type 1 diabetes, especially when it comes to sports and other physical activities, according to Jen Hanson, executive of Connected in Motion (CIM).

Hanson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of three. Like many people with the disease, athletics has always been a very complex and constant balancing act, she says.

“Balancing physical activity and sports brings big challenges as a lot of factors are constantly changing. Some exercises can cause your blood sugar to go really high or low – or both. Hockey’s a good example. If you’re stressed before a game your blood sugar will go higher. So you would have to plan a couple of hours in advance to alleviate the pressure.”

The issue becomes even harder once a person reaches adulthood because resources are in short supply, Hanson says. “Transition into adulthood is the biggest challenge. Kids with Type 1 diabetes have a connected care system that knows you and your family. Once you turn 18, it’s wildly different. At that point, the focus is on Type 2 since it accounts for about 90 per cent of diabetes diagnoses. There’s no such thing as a Type 1 diabetes clinic for adults in Canada, despite the fact that of the 300,000 people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, 85 per cent are adults.”

Typically patients are encouraged to be active, but the tips tend to be focused on walking or other daily activities such as taking stairs versus an elevator. That’s why many adults with Type 1 diabetes tend to avoid more strenuous activities because it’s out of their comfort zone, Hanson says.

CIM, founded in 2008 by Chloe Vance, provides experiential education that helps adults with Type 1 diabetes learn about managing their condition through sports and adventure. It offers a wide range of peer-based outdoor activity events, clinics and workshops. “The idea is when you get together as a group, managing diabetes gets a lot easier,” Hanson explains.

CIM’s purpose is to fill the gap for adults who want to be active by providing them a safe and supportive environment. The idea came to Vance when backpacking in Australia where she saw a cycling team wearing Type 1 diabetes jerseys.

The team taught her the concept of slipstreaming, where riders follow leaders closely when tired, and take over the lead when they are ready. That inspired her to create Slipstream, CIM’s flagship program that hosts weekend events in Canada and the U.S.

With Slipstream, participants can choose their own adventures (e.g. paddling, archery, hiking, rock climbing, etc.) as well as attend breakout sessions that include a mix of direct education, guest speakers and peer-led brainstorming events.

CIM also offers an Adventures program, which Hanson says is “the next step in the spectrum of comfort” for Type 1 diabetes patients. This more intensive program can run from four days to two weeks. Up to 14 participants join in physical activities and camping. “These are the types of activities that many people with Type 1 diabetes never try because of the barriers they face.”

To support its growing community, CIM maintains an online presence for sharing information and learnings. It has also engaged in a number of partnerships including the latest two, Beyond Type 1 co-founded by Nick Jonas, and Children with Diabetes.

Being outside with a group of people opens a lot of doors for people with Type 1 diabetes that can’t be opened at a conference or through reading, Hanson notes. “Often you’re given tools or strategies from a doctor, friend or a book. But if you mess up that strategy there are very severe consequences. We provide a safe space for people to practice the skills they need and figure out what works for them.”

The big message for people with Type 1 diabetes is to get connected with a community, she says. “It can be transformational to know that if there is something you really want to do, you can with the right support.”